HCV in at risk populations: Who can be treated and how?

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV), a major cause of chronic liver disease, affects an estimated 5 million people in the Unites States [1] and close to 170 million people worldwide. Certain subpopulations including injection drug users, prison inmates, the homeless, ethnic minorities, American veterans, and HIV co-infected patients are considered high risk for viral acquisition and are disproportionately affected by HCV. This review describes the prevalence of HCV in these at-risk populations including those with cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD), solid organ transplantation and presents current treatment options. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.